GHS teacher reprimanded for racially insensitive remarks

Published: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 8:26 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 8:26 p.m.

A school district investigation into a student’s complaint has determined that a Gainesville High School teacher did make racially insensitive remarks in class during Black History Month.

The district found probable cause for disciplinary action after science teacher Michelle Lewis told students they would go to a black history event when gay and lesbian, white and Hispanic history months were celebrated. Lewis was verbally reprimanded.

Tracie Young, mother of the student who filed the complaint, said she isn’t satisfied.

“Justice has not been served,” she said.

According to district documents, Lewis said she made the remark as a joke. Lewis declined to comment for this story.

Five students in written statements said that student, Wilnesha Young, 18, became agitated with another student who told her to drop the issue. After the two students started arguing, Lewis asked Young to leave the classroom.

Two students, including Wilnesha Young, maintain that Lewis yelled and cursed at Young and flung her backpack across the room before sending her out of the classroom. According to district documents, a text message was sent to the other student asking to support Young’s story.

<p>A school district investigation into a student's complaint has determined that a Gainesville High School teacher did make racially insensitive remarks in class during Black History Month.</p><p>The district found probable cause for disciplinary action after science teacher Michelle Lewis told students they would go to a black history event when gay and lesbian, white and Hispanic history months were celebrated. Lewis was verbally reprimanded.</p><p>Tracie Young, mother of the student who filed the complaint, said she isn't satisfied.</p><hr />
<center>
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/GainesvilleSun" target="_blank">
<img src="/assets/images/widgets/GSun/Teezers/GSFacebookTeaserSmall.jpg" />
</center>
</a>
<hr /><p>“Justice has not been served,” she said.</p><p>According to district documents, Lewis said she made the remark as a joke. Lewis declined to comment for this story.</p><p>Five students in written statements said that student, Wilnesha Young, 18, became agitated with another student who told her to drop the issue. After the two students started arguing, Lewis asked Young to leave the classroom.</p><p>Two students, including Wilnesha Young, maintain that Lewis yelled and cursed at Young and flung her backpack across the room before sending her out of the classroom. According to district documents, a text message was sent to the other student asking to support Young's story.</p>